How to make a good impression at a job interview?

If you are about to have your first job interview, you have to keep in mind it’s very difficult having a good interview without preparation. Yes, you might have the skills necessary of the position. However, there are some other important aspects that are going to influence the final decision and those extend beyond your skills and experience. 

You have to keep in mind that the interview is the perfect moment recruiters have to check if you will fit in the organization. Do you know how to make a good impression at a job interview? At T2W we have a wide experience in recruitment processes, so we can help you. In this article, we will show you what you need to consider to start a job interview the right way. 

1. The initial greeting 

Statistics prove that the first five minutes are key in any job interview. Everything you say during those initial moments reveals a lot about you for recruiters. You can’t afford making a mistake! The best way to start is to greet the interviewer correctly. Ok, what is exactly a good greeting? 

It’s actually not all that difficult. First, a firm handshake communicates trustworthiness and shows you are confident. Don’t forget that an excessively strong grip reveals that you are nervous. Additionally, a genuine friendly smile suggests you have good interpersonal skills. A firm handshake with a smile and an enthusiastic “good morning!” are perfect for a good first impression. Since we are talking about enthusiasm, we can move to the next idea. 

2. Show your enthusiasm 

Despite what many people think, job interviews don’t have much to do with understanding applicant’s skills, knowledge or experience. Actually, these aspects have already been checked in the resume and, if necessary, these will be evaluated through a separate test. So, what’s the purpose of the interview? With the interview, recruiters check two things. First, they assess if you are comfortable talking about what you say in your resume. 

Second, the want to check if you are the right person for the position and for the company. In that regard, there is nothing more attractive for a recruiter than a person who shows enthusiasm for the job. That is a characteristic all organizations want in their employees. Therefore, if you want to make a good impression in a job interview, a little enthusiasm will be very helpful. After all, a job interview is a chance not everyone has access to. Make the most of it with enthusiasm!  

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3. Verbal communication is important 

You probably have heard people say that body language is key in a job interview, which is absolutely true. However, that can be noticed throughout the interview. The first thing the recruiter will notice is the way you talk and express yourself. The very first words you say have a direct influence over the idea the interviewer will have about you. At this point, it’s not about what you say, but the way you say it. 

Your tone of voice has to be loud enough so the interviewer can hear you. That shows confidence. If you speak to low, you might sound scared or shy. That is not exactly the best first impression. Then, you shouldn’t speak too fast, that is a sign that you are nervous. To avoid that, breathe slowly and speak without rushing. Keep in mind that a job interview is just a conversation between two persons. If you speak calmly and fluently, you will have good results. 

4. The right attire 

You probably want to stand out in your next job interview. However, if you dress in a certain way and once you get to the company premises you notice all the other candidates dress in a different way, you will stand out, but not in the way you wanted. A recruiter will check everything about you starting with your attire. If that person notices the way you dressed for the occasion don’t fit the company, that probably will affect the perception they have about you during the rest of the interview. 

Your attire has to change according to the type of organization you are applying to, and, for that reason, it’s important to be prepared. Before the interview, do a little research about the company and its organizational culture. What’s their philosophy as company? What work style do they have? You can find the answers to these questions in their webpage and their social media. These can help you get a better idea of the correct way to dress in the interview. 

Lastly, what can you do if the site and social media are not helpful? Don’t worry! In that case, it’s perfectly acceptable to call or write to the person who contacted you and ask what’s the dressing code for the interview. That can also work in your favor since it can be taken as showing real interest in the interview and the position. 

Now you know how to make a good impression in an interview. Remember that with a little planning and enthusiasm you can have great results in your next interview. 

At Talent2Win, we strive to align your company’s business objectives with the best Talent Acquisition strategies available. If you want to learn more about the services we offer, do not hesitate to contact us.